Ron Marz's Blog

Tag: Reviews

Voodoo #1hit stores Wednesday. The hysterics about it started last week, before anyone had even read the issue. Now that it’s out, and in people’s hands, the reactions have been all over the map.

Review links are below, if you’d care to peruse. I’m really pretty fascinated by the diverse reactions: two people read the same issue, and each comes away with a drastically different view of what was just read. Doesn’t make either on right or wrong — ultimately, any of it is just one person’s opinion. We all bring our experiences and predilections to the table with us, whether we want to admit it or not.

And really, that’s fine. Not every book is for every reader, nor should it be. As I’ve said before, comics are not a one-size-fits-all medium. Thanks to everyone who picked up Voodoo and gave it a chance.

Last week, my new creator-owned series, Shinku, debuted from Image Comics. Short version: it’s a modern-day tale of vampires vs. a lone samurai. The series is intended for mature readers, since I’ve always thought vampires were about sex and violence, not sparkling. The art is by my buddies Lee Moder, Matthew Waite and Mike Atiyeh, with letters by Troy Peteri and edits/design by Phil Smith.

The reception has been gratifying. Reviews have been great, and many of the comic sites have been kind enough to throw some coverage our way. The links below include preview pages, features, reviews and podcasts.

If you’ve taken the plunge and picked up the first issue, thank you. If not … what are you waiting for?

As with the past two issues, here’s a collection of the reviews I’ve come across for Artifacts #3. If you happen to know of any reviews that aren’t linked below, feel free to post a link in the comments. Artifacts #4 should be in stores in a few weeks, bringing the first act of the storyline to an explosive conclusion. Literally.

Reviews of Artifacts #2 are still trickling in, but the list below is the bulk of ‘em. First up is a video review from Sara Lima at Comic Vine. The most gratifying aspect to it all is that reviewers and readers seem to be finding the series accessible, even if they’re not regular readers of the Top Cow Universe (yet).

We’re planning to send issue #3 off to press late this week, so it should be in stores a few weeks after that.

The comic-shop release of Artifacts #1 this past Wednesday was the culmination of a lot of planning, conversation, brain-storming and … well, work. Top Cow managing editor Phil Smith, and colorist Sunny Gho both damn near killed themselves getting the last bits of the issue together in time to get issues printed to make the planned San Diego Comic Con debut. And everybody was up until the wee hours proofing the issue to get it just right.

Thus far, looks like all the effort was worth it. I’m very happy with the finished product – not something I always say – and issue #1 has already sold out at the distributor level. That means your local shop might still have a few copies on the shelf, but there are no more in the warehouse. A second printing is being rushed to press, with Michael Broussard’s interior spread, in glorious black and white, used as the wraparound cover.

Reviews for #1 have also been great. Especially gratifying to have so many reviewers comment upon the issue’s accessibility for those unfamiliar with the Top Cow Universe. That was the goal all along, to come up with a story that is satisfying for long-time readers, and welcoming to new ones. Some review links:

The excellent Comic Geek Speak podcasts are undertaking a series of shows dedicated to the Artifacts event series. The plan is for the guys to discuss the issues as they are released, so this inaugural episode takes on issue #1. Chris Partin, from Image Addiction, joins the conversation, and then my pal Filip Sablik, who also happens to be Top Cow’s publisher, also stops by. Enjoy.

Velocity is the payoff to the character’s win in Top Cow’s first Pilot Season contest. I didn’t write that Pilot Season one-shot, and Kenneth Rocafort didn’t draw it. “Creative differences” led to the departure of that creative team from the ensuing mini-series. Eventually, the assignment was offered to me, and then Kenneth’s schedule opened up enough for him to sign on. I’m really pleased with the finished product, thanks to Kenneth’s amazing work. And it gets even better. Trust me, there’s a spread in issue #2 that is just stunning.

The critical reaction to Velocity has been very gratifying thus far. I set out to tell an accessible superhero story – a fun story – that wasn’t mired in continuity or over-the-top, get-your-heart-ripped-out violence. If the reviews are any indication, we at least got close to that mark. A sampling: